by MA Horst
I pin Mr. Flower with a steady gaze. “My brother and I thank you for the dinner, but I’d rather spend time with my future bride.”
To my surprise, Mrs. Flower stands up. Her eyes are sharp and her chin held high. “No guarantee was given that Lily will be yours to take, Mr. Royal,” she snaps, as if talking to a petulant child.
Things start to fall in place as I glance at Kingly’s smug face before looking back to Mrs. Flower’s pretentious gaze. I now understand what’s happening here tonight, and I’m livid that this woman thinks I’m a fool she can bargain with.
“Mr. Royal,” Mrs. Flower sneers as she starts to walk around the table. “My husband might feel that a merger with Royal Industries might serve to be beneficial in reviving Flower Incorporated,” she sighs heavily, as if she’s bored and only tolerating me, “ butI certainly do not think anything can help Flower Incorporated. I’ve invited Mr. Kingly in the hopes of merging my own business with his.”
Kingly stands up and takes hold of Lily’s arm. She flinches under his harsh touch and it makes me almost blind with rage. He pulls her away from me with such force she loses her balance and falls at our feet. This is getting out of hand. I will not let anyone hurt Lily. She’s a delicate flower and should be cherished as one.
I crouch down and brush the silky, black strands away from her face. Her bright blue eyes sparkle with fear and unshed tears. There’s a sharp twist in my chest at seeing Lily in such a state. I don’t hesitate as I pick her up. When she buries her face in my chest, her tiny hand clutching at my shirt, I lose my temper.
“She is not a bargaining chip,” I growl as fury pulses hotly through my veins. “A promise was made, and it’s one I intend to hold you to. I’ve chosen Lily Flower, and I will take her with me. Before I leave, I have a promise of my own to make.” I glare at Mrs. Flower until she wisely lowers her eyes. “I promise to destroy your pathetic little business if you dare to stand in my way.”
Mrs. Flower’s face turns red with indignation. “How dare …”
I cut her off with a harsh look. “I have the power to have you exiled from this city.”
Mr. Flower stands up, wringing his hands nervously. “Please forgive my wife. Lily is yours for the taking, but…” The spineless man swallows hard and then stutters, “A little financial help would go a long way into getting Flower Incorporated off the ground again.”
I tighten my hold on Lily, wondering how something so precious could ever come from the two greed-filled people standing in front of me.
“I’ll make a donation, but, Mr. Flower,” I grind the words out, before pinning Mrs. Flower with a hard glare, “if you even think of going back on the promise, I will come down on you with the full force of my family.”
“Your family doesn’t own Jewel City!” Kingly spits at me. I can see his disgusting lust for Lily swirling in his beady eyes. “The girl was promised to me. I’ve already paid for her.”
I lower Lily’s legs until she’s standing in front of me. She’s still clutching at my shirt. I pull her hand away until the fabric slips from her fingers. Her breathing speeds up, tiny puffs of air bursting over her rosy lips. She looks up at me, and as our eyes meet, she takes my hand in both of hers.
“Please…” She mouths one single word that binds me to her for all eternity.
Keeping eye contact with her, I ask, “Lily, you need to decide who you want to marry. Unfortunately, you do not have the luxury of time to make such a serious decision. Will you marry Jasper Kingly-” Before I can finish my question, she shakes her head, making her hair tumble wildly over her shoulders.
“No.” This time the single word is clear. She pulls at my arm until she presses the flat of my hand against her chest. I can feel her heart racing under my palm, and all I want to do is comfort her.
“Hail.” My name sounds like a soft prayer as it falls from her sweet mouth. Her tongue peeks out and she nervously wets her lips. The action alone is enough to make my cock harden with want for this exquisite woman. “Hail Royal, if you will have me, it would be my privilege to honor my grandfather’s promise.”
Lily
I will beg him to take me. I would rather be a maid in the Royal household than a sex slave to the perverted likes of Jasper Kingly.
I hold my breath as I wait for Hail to respond to what I just said.
“So be it.” Three words that save me from the clutches of Jasper Kingly and fills me with a sense of overwhelming relief. They also tie me to Hail Royal for the remainder of my life. “Is there anything you would like to bring with you, my bride?”
My throat dries from all the nervous tension that’s pulsing through me. I let go of Hail’s strong hand that’s been keeping me standing and turn to find Rose. I can’t leave her here. Mother will give Rose to Mr. Kingly so she can take my place.
Rose’s worried eyes find mine, echoing the fear I feel in my heart.
“Rose,” I whisper as panic starts to bleed into my soul. I clear my throat and turn back to Hail. “I want my sister. Please allow me to bring her.” I know I’m pushing my luck right now. Hail has all the right to toss me over his shoulder, and carry me away like a caveman.
His eyes dart over my head, and he asks, “Lake, have you decided?”
I’m confused and turn to look at Lake. Has Lake decided what? Rose’s eyes go round and her lips part with shock. Her head snaps up and she glares at Lake. He in turn looks down at her with a slow smile pulling at his lips.
“Yes, brother. I think I’ll take this one. She is rather easy on the eyes.”
I watch as a deep blush creeps over Rose’s neck. She crosses her arms and glares at Lake as if he’s something that got stuck under her shoe. Before she can ruin everything, I step forward. “Please, Rose. Come with me.”
I look from her to Mr. Kingly so she will realize what’s in store for her, should she deny Lake.
She shakes her head, lowering her eyes to the floor. My heart hurts for my sister. She had no time to prepare herself for this. We were under the false impression that Rose still had time before she would be forced into marriage, but time has never been on our side to begin with.
“I suppose I have to honor grandfather’s promise as well.” Her tone is laced with bitterness from the unjust situation we have both been placed in. She starts to walk away from Lake and mumbles, “As long as you know I’m not a piece of property, Mr. Royal.”
“You cannot do this!” Mother shrieks. She walks around the table and comes to stand between us and the only exit out of the room.
“We will obviously double our donation to Flower Incorporated,” Hail says firmly.
My eyes dart back to Mother just as she takes a step towards us. “Who do you think you are to come into my house like this, and lay claim to both my daughters?”
“Wife!” Father snaps. “Our daughters. Sit and calm yourself.” Father approaches Hail with a stretched out hand, but Hail ignores it.
“We will take our leave now. Thank you for your hospitality,” Hail says, with a look of disgust on his handsome face. I’m ashamed of my parents, and that both Hail and Lake Royal had to bear witness to how deceitful they are.
When he looks at me, I lower my eyes as I’m ashamed to be a Flower.
He takes my hand and pulls it through the crook of his arm. I avoid making eye contact with anyone as he leads me from the dining room. I’m soothed by Rose’s hurried steps right behind me. I’m so thankful that she’s coming with me. At least we will be together.
Hail
When the car comes to a stop in front of our house, I’m relieved. Lily’s kept herself huddled against the door as if she’s scared that I might turn into a beast that will devour her. As tempting as it might be to feel her body writhing under mine, I have to remember that she’s overwhelmed by all that’s happened tonight.
Rose looks to be rather upset with Lake. It seems that while my Lily is the shy one, Rose is the sister with the quick temper.
I take her hand and help
her out of the car. Glancing at Lake, I say, “It’s been a long night. Let’s get some rest. We can meet in the morning to decide where to go from here.”
“I agree.” Lake takes Rose’s hand and pulls her behind him. Just before they disappear inside the house, Rose glances back at Lily. They silently stare at each other. I can feel the strong bond between the sisters, and I know that we did the right thing by taking them both from that house. In time they will flourish here.
“Welcome to your new home, my bride,” I whisper. I link my fingers with hers as we start to climb the stairs to the front door.
I don’t realize how big my steps are compared to my delicate flower’s until she stumbles and grabs hold of my hand with both of hers to keep from falling face first on the glimmering white tiles.
“Forgive me, my delicate blossom. I’ve got you running to stay by my side. I will have to get used to walking slower to match your tiny steps.”
I take her straight to my room. I’ll show her the left wing tomorrow, but for now, it’s time to rest.
Once I’ve closed the bedroom door behind us, I turn back to Lily. She glances at me before letting her eyes sweep through the room.
“I admit that my private quarter is in desperate need of a woman’s touch. Tomorrow, we will finalize the marriage by signing a few documents. After that is taken care of, you’re free to decorate our home.”
Lily clutches her hands at her stomach, looking ill.
“Are you not feeling well, my love?” She shakes her head and bites her bottom lip nervously. It’s then that I realize she’s extremely quiet. She’s hardly spoken tonight.
I approach her carefully, but my movement still makes her eyes dart back to me. She sucks in a breath of air, and then unclenches her hands, lowering them to her sides. As much as I want her, I will not take her by force.
I let my hands brush over her cheeks until my fingertips disappear into her silky hair. Slowly, I nudge her face up so I can see her gorgeous eyes.
I place a tender kiss to her forehead, and whisper, “You are safe here, Lily. Even though you’re mine already, and the marriage is just a technicality, I will not force you do anything you to do not want to do. Do not look at me with the same fear filling your eyes when you looked at Kingly. I am a man of honor, where he is not.”
To my surprise, Lily yanks away from me, her face clouded with chock. “My lord … no!” Realizing that she raised her voice, she takes a moment to calm herself.
“I do not fear you,” she whispers. She lowers her eyes from mine, and a deep blush paints her cheeks a stunning pink. “I have … I am untouched.” She tucks some hair behind her ear before she continues. “I do not know what’s expected of me.”
A wide smile pulls at my lips as relief fills me. My exquisite Lily is pure. I decide to test the waters with her so I know what pace she will be comfortable with.
I move closer until her breasts brush against my stomach. As I lean in, I place a finger under her chin, raising her face to mine. Pressing the softest of kisses against her trembling mouth, my cock hardens and I know she has to feel my need for her.
I pull away slightly, leaving a breath of air between our mouths. I wait for her to grow used to the feel of my body pressing against hers. Her movements are tentative as she brings her hands to rest against my chest. Her breathing slightly speeds up as she suddenly stands on her toes and presses her mouth to mine.
Her hands trail up my chest, behind my neck, until her fingers tangle with my hair. She opens her mouth and I feel the tip of her tongue, which makes me groan with pleasure. I lick at her bottom lip before I suck her tongue into my mouth.
She tries to lift herself more against my body, and it makes desire burn through me like a wild forest fire. I grab hold of her sexy ass, letting my fingers dig into her flesh. I wish she was naked right now. I lift her against me and hurry to the dresser that’s nearest to us. I wipe the statue off from the surface and it clatters loudly as it hits the floor. I let her sit before brushing my hands down the outside of her legs until I find the hem of her dress.
My hands slip under the black silk, and I push it up and over her knees. I break the kiss as I want to feast at the sight of her, but looking down, I cannot stop myself from laughing. “My beauty prefers boots to heels?”
Embarrassed by my remark, she tries to cover the boots with the dress but I stop her by taking hold of her tiny waist, lifting her from the dresser.
Once she’s standing in front of me, I whisper, “We will move at a pace that is comfortable for you. I won’t lie, though. I want you naked under me this very second, but I also want to take my time as we will only have one first time.”
Lily
My mouth still tingles from the kiss. Never in my wildest dreams did I picture my first kiss to be so all-consuming hot. I cannot wait to feel his mouth on mine again.
Hail is turning out to be a dream come true. Had Kingly won, my fate would have been dire indeed.
“I will obey you, Hail. You’ve saved me from a fate worse than death, and a promise is a promise, after all.” I will do anything to please this man. Letting him have his way with my body won’t exactly be a punishment. I am already infatuated with him. I don’t think there is a woman on this planet that wouldn’t lose her heart to Hail Royal.
Hail leans down, but instead of kissing me, he looks deep into my eyes. It feels as if he is touching my very soul with his own.
“I want to own you, sweet Lily. I want you to obey me because it turns you on.” My cheeks warm from his words, but I keep my eyes locked with his. “I want you to obey me because it makes me hard. Obey me, and I’ll make you feel things that will surpass your wildest wet dreams.”
I feel a delicious tingling between my legs. Like any other girl, I want the love of the man I will call husband. But right now, I want his touch more. I reach down and unzip my boots, step out of them and kick them to the side. I reach up and unbutton the choker around my neck. It’s the only thing that’s keeping the dress on my body, and as I let go, the silk cascades to the floor.
Hail’s eyes leave mine, and travel down my body. It takes all my courage to not cover my breasts that I have just bared to him. The last time I was naked in front of someone, Rose and I used to share a bath as toddlers.
Hail takes my trembling hand and brings it to his mouth. His breath stirs over my sensitive skin, and for a dreaded moment, I fear that he is going to reject me. My breasts are small, and not full like a man would desire.
“My sweet, sweet, Lily. There is nothing in the world I wouldn’t do for you. My heart.” He places a kiss to my palm. “My body.” Another kiss to the inside of my wrist. “My soul.” He pulls me closer until the fabric of his shirt brushes against my nipples, making me want to shamelessly rub up against him. “Everything I am, you hold in the palm of your petite hand.”
As answer to his declaration, I take his hand in both of mine and just like earlier tonight, I press the flat of his hand over my heart. “My heart and body are yours, Hail.”
“What do you want, Lily?” My heart floods with love for him. Never before has anyone thought to ask me what I may want.
“I want to find safety in your arms,” I whisper as I let go of his hand.
His fingers brush over my ribs until he takes hold of my hip, just above the lacy hem of my panties. If he removes them, I will be completely naked while he remains fully clothed. The thought is such a turn on that I feel an actual ache between my legs.
“What else?” he whispers. He takes hold of the lace, and it makes my heart beat wildly with delicious anticipation. I watch as his dark head kneels before me. Slowly, he tugs the lace down my legs. I place a hand on his shoulder as I step out of the last piece of clothing. When he rises to his full length, he says, “Do you want me to touch you?”
I nod, not sure I can form the right words.
He closes the last of the distance between us, and I swear I can feel the air rushing over my skin before the fabric of
his suit brushes against my body.
“Do you want to feel my mouth on your breast?” His voice is hoarse, and I hope it’s a sign that he wants me as badly as I want him.
I nod again. His fingers trail up my arm, making red-hot lust burn through me. I want to feel his hands all over my body.
His breath fans over my ear as he whispers, “I want to make sweet, heavenly love to your mind, Lily. But I want to fuck the hell out of your body.”
His words give me all the courage I need to take what I want. I lean forward and press my lips to the tanned skin peaking from his shirt. I start to undo the buttons, and as I pull the shirt free from his pants, his hands settle on my hips. I’m not given any time to feast on what’s under the shirt as he picks me up and drops me on the bed.
He rips the shirt off, and seeing the beauty of his muscled chest is a sensory overload.
I have spent many a night dreaming of my prince, and what he might look like, but I never gave him a face. I now know that no face my imagination might have dreamt up could ever compare to the beauty of Hail’s formidable features. The pure intensity of his desire for me makes him look more like a wild beast than a refined prince.
“I want to hear the words from your sweet lips, Lily. What do you want?”
I bite my bottom lip as my face flushes, but then I push through, giving Hail what he wants.
“I want you to get undressed,” I whisper. He undoes his belt, making excitement bubble up inside of me. I bask in delight at the sight of his strong chest. My eyes lower, and I almost sigh as he pushes the pants down his powerful legs, exposing the perfect V that points the way to his huge cock.
Seeing Hail naked is turning my brain to mush. I could sit here and drool at the amazing sight of him all night long.
When my eyes finally return to his face, he asks, “Whatever you want is yours, Lily. Just tell me and I will do it.”
I get to my knees and move to the edge of the bed. “Come here.” He immediately obeys me, and when he’s standing in front of me, I place my hands on his hips. Feeling his firm skin under my fingers makes me close my eyes for a moment.
